Bazaruto Archipelago

Mozambique

Bazaruto Archipelago Travel Information

The Basics

Time

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. The rounded three-pin plug is common, particularly near the border with South Africa and in Maputo. Two pronged, round- and flat-pin plugs are also found.

Language

Portuguese is the official language, and there are 13 main national languages spoken. English is taught in secondary schools, but is only spoken in the southern tourist regions.

Travel Health

Health regulations in Mozambique require visitors to have a
yellow fever certificate if travelling from infected areas. Malaria
is a risk throughout the year in the whole country, and
prophylactics are recommended, as well as precautions against
mosquitoes. Cholera and other water-borne diseases are prevalent
during the rainy season. Diseases caused by unsanitary conditions
are common throughout the country, and untreated water should be
considered unsafe to drink. The government has declared
tuberculosis (TB) a national emergency and it is expected to be a
problem for the next 15 years. Vaccinations are recommended for
hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. Visitors who will be spending
a lot of time outdoors and may be at risk of animal bites should
consider a rabies vaccination.

Hospital facilities are generally poor in Mozambique and outside
the major cities of Maputo and Beira medical facilities are
limited. Comprehensive medical insurance is essential and it is
recommended that visitors carry personal medical supplies with
them. Make sure that all medication is in its original packaging
and accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor
detailing what the medication is and why it is needed.

Tipping

Tipping in Mozambique is not customary, although in tourist
areas a tip of about 10 percent is expected.

Safety Information

Safety in Mozambique is not usually an issue for visitors.
However, a few unexploded landmines still lie scattered about the
southern parts of the country and visitors are advised that it is
extremely risky to wander off well-travelled paths and roads: local
information should be sought before going off-road outside
provincial capitals. Violent crime is on the increase, including
car hijackings. In the cities, particularly Maputo, muggings, bag
snatching and pick-pocketing is common, and visitors are advised to
be alert in public places, to keep valuables out of sight and to
avoid walking anywhere at night. Identity documents should be
carried at all times. All visitors, especially women, should avoid
walking alone on any beach in Mozambique as there have been several
severe attacks (and rapes) on tourists. Overland travel after dark
is not recommended and travellers should be especially alert when
driving near the Mozambique-South African border. Police
checkpoints are common and foreigners are at risk of frequent
harassment. There have been many reports of police attempting to
solicit bribes, and travellers should insist on a written citation
that can be paid at a police station. Many roads can become
impassable in the rainy season (November to April), when there is
also a risk of cyclones.

Local Customs

Taking photographs of public buildings is prohibited by law.
Identity documents should be carried at all times.

Business

Mozambique has largely been cut off from foreign investment and
has only in recent years started opening up to the worldwide
business community. Conducting business in Mozambique can be
difficult as many people only speak Portuguese, or their own ethnic
language. Translators are hard to come by, and most are found in
Maputo. Generally business in Mozambique follows the Portuguese
model in terms of business etiquette - punctuality is important,
dress is usually conservative (though lightweight materials are
recommended). Women, in particular, should dress conservatively and
modest behaviour is encouraged. Meetings usually start and end with
a handshake, and business cards are exchanged. Business hours are
usually 7.30am or 8am to 12.30pm, and 2pm to 5.30pm, Monday to
Friday.

Communications

The international dialling code for Mozambique is +258. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are also in use, e.g. (0)1
for Maputo, (0)22 for Xai Xai. Outgoing international calls, other
than for South Africa, must go through the operator. Two mobile
phone GSM 900/1800 networks provide limited coverage in and around
Maputo, Beira, some coastal locations and a few other isolated
towns. Internet cafes are available in Maputo.

Duty Free

Travellers to Mozambique may enter the country with the
following items and not incur customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 250g
tobacco, perfume for personal use, and 750ml of spirits. Drugs are
strictly prohibited and a permit is required for firearms and
ammunition.

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